‘Magical’ Holden teacher to retire
6/12/09 | 7 comments
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‘Magical’ Holden teacher to retire


Students honor retiring kindergarten teacher with tree planting, gifts and words of thanks
By Nok-Noi Ricker
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE
Holden Elementary School kindergarten teacher Trudy Walo gets hugs from pupils after a ceremony honoring her 22 years as a teacher at the school. Walo has taught kindergarten for 32 years and now she is retiring. Buy Photo
HOLDEN, Maine — Kindergarten teacher Trudy Walo got a few hundred hugs on Thursday.

She also got pink flowers, blooming plants, books, handmade cards and a scrapbook of pictures collected over the last two decades when she taught 5- and 6-year-olds their ABCs and 1-2-3’s. “I can’t say enough about her,” Holden School Principal Dave Anderson said just before a school assembly held in honor of the much-loved teacher.Walo, who has taught kindergarten for 34 years, has spent the last 22 years at Holden School. “Her classroom is magical,” Anderson said. “She’s kind, gentle and caring and she’s very patient and understanding.”

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When Walo entered the school’s gym Thursday morning, students, teachers and parents rose and gave her a standing ovation. The longtime teacher was overcome with emotion and needed the tissues that her husband, John Walo, carried with him.

The students, teachers and parents also wept as they told stories of Walo and thanked her for her years of dedicated and caring work.

The tears started when the school’s chorus sang “Good” from the musical “Wicked,” which included the words, “I know who I am today, because I knew you.” Many of today’s students and some who now attend Holbrook Middle School came to the front of the elementary school gathering to say they loved and would miss Walo, who will retire at the end of the school year.

“You are a beautiful, fun, kind, caring teacher who never can be replaced in our school or our hearts,” said one student.

“We love you, Mrs. Walo,” said another.

Many of her students and former students thanked her for her many projects, which included making pancakes and applesauce and hatching chickens, and each got a hug afterward.

“They love the chicks,” school secretary Rosa Thompson said. “It’s amazing how many kids remember that experience.”

Just before the group headed outside for a tree dedication in Walo’s honor, longtime teacher Georgette Burrill read from the children’s book “The Giving Tree,” purchased by donations collected from parents and staff and signed by the students.

“I just want to say that this means everything to me,” Walo said to the crowd, pausing at times to compose herself. “It’s wonderful.”

nricker@bangordailynews.net 990-8190

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Comments
7 comments on this item
On 6/12/09 at 12:34 PM, pwrhitta wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Although none of my children have attended Holden school; I would like to thank Trudy Walo for shaping the minds and spirits of the many youngsters that have passed through her class over the years. The school community of Holden is losing a true treasure!

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On 6/12/09 at 3:15 PM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This lady sounds like an fabulous person as well as a caring and proficient educator...I can remember all of the many teachers that instructed me through the years and Ms. Walo sounds like she is one to never be forgotten....thanks to her for her dedication to her profession and students and may she and hers continue to enjoy life and retirement!

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On 6/13/09 at 11:59 PM, kteacher wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Not only did this "magical lady" teach my 2 daughters in kindergarten some 20 years ago, but she also taught me. I was allowed the honor and privilege of being her "Student Teacher". It was an experience that has impacted me for the past 16 years as I have taught preschool and kindergarten children, implementing the "joy of teaching" that she passed on to me as she mentored me. What a fabulous gift I received from her! Many of the ideas that she shared with me I am still using in my classroom today -- hatching chicks, "The Waffle Restaurant", "The Gingerbread Man Tour", etc. I will never forget her ... and neither will her many other students! Thanks for letting me be one of them, Trudy!

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On 6/14/09 at 10:31 AM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What a wonderful person and teacher who has touched and molded so many young people. We need more caring and dedicated teachers like Mrs. Walo. She sounds very special. Wishing her and her family the best in the future. She will be missed as a teacher.

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On 6/14/09 at 10:34 AM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Mrs Walo , in her many years of dedicated and outstanding teaching, has touched the lives of so many young people......she has impacted their lives in such a postitive way. More children should have such a special teacher, especially during those early years where so much essential learning is taking place.

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On 6/14/09 at 1:05 PM, bigjohn441956 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Back in the early '80s, I lived with my sister and her family in Etna. My niece and nephew attended Etna-Dixmont elementary. If memory serves me right, my niece had a teacher by the name of Trudy Walo.I'm not sure if this is the same person,as the article does not elaborate on Mrs. Walo's experience prior to Holden Elementary,but, in any case, I offer my congrats.

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On 6/14/09 at 2:58 PM, obie46 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Yes indeed big john, that is the same teacher, she taught kindergarten in Etna and was the sweetest little thing. When I first met her I said that she looked more like one of the students, and from the pic I see that still holds true..lol. I can never hear "Music Box Dancer" without thinking of her.

CONGRATULATIONS MRS WALO!!! I'm sure you have touched many minds and hearts over the years.

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